Lotus Sport’s new Exige GT3 Concept

Lotus Sport, the racing arm of Lotus, has unveiled its race-bred Exige GT3 concept vehicle at the Geneva Motor Show. The stripped out racer is powered by a high-revving 1.8L four-cylinder motor sourced from Toyota with an Eaton M62 supercharger bolted on. Final output is 271bhp (203kW) at a lofty 8000rpm and 190lb/ft of torque at 7000rpm. The 0-60mph sprint takes just 3.9 secs, while top speed is electonically limited to 160mph.

Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch with a lightweight aluminium C64 six-speed gearbox at the driver’s disposal. An open type limited slip differential is fitted as standard as well as a switchable traction-control system that reduces engine power rather than applying the brakes when it detects slip. It is intended that the Lotus Exige GT3 concept road vehicle will be further developed into a full production car for limited markets, to go on sale in late 2007 with an estimated price tag of between £50,000 and £60,000.

Lotus has also used the Geneva show to release its Luxury Touring Pack Option for its Europa S. The package, designed exclusively for the larger GT model, comes with saddle tan leather on almost every interior surface with matching brown carpet, an engine start button and a solid Walnut and Tulip wood gearknob. Exterior additions include tinted windows, body coloured front driving lamp surrounds, and silver highlights for the grille. The package is available from April 2007 priced at €1,750 in Europe, with prices in other markets to be announced shortly.

Follow the jump to read the detailed press release and view images of the luxury equipped Europa S.